Rare Deep-Sea Species Discovered on Uncharted Seamount
Expedition off Chile's coast uncovers new marine life and maps an underwater mountain over 1.9 miles tall.
- Scientists documented the first live footage of a rare Promachoteuthis squid and a Casper octopus in the Southern Pacific.
- The newly discovered seamount supports diverse ecosystems, including sponge gardens and ancient corals.
- The expedition identified 20 potential new species and numerous previously unrecorded species in the region.
- The seamount, part of the Nazca Ridge, is being considered for marine protected area status.
- High-resolution mapping of the seafloor will aid in understanding and preserving deep-sea biodiversity.